LTI Scrap Oldest Taxi to Date as Fleet Operator Cashes in on Scrappage Scheme

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – June 25, 2009: LTI Vehicles has scrapped its oldest taxi to date under the Government's 'scrappage' scheme.

The 20 year old Fairway, which had clocked up over 600,000 miles, was taken in by leading LTI taxi dealership, M&O London.

As a result, the vehicle's owner, Sheldon Posner of Cricklewood Carriers, has received a £5,000 discount on a brand new model of the London taxi – the TX4. This fantastic deal was made possible thanks to the £2,000 scrappage incentive and a further £3,000 price reduction.

Commenting on the scheme, Sheldon said: "I buy cabs regularly from M&O as the older they get the more expensive they are to re-license, so this initiative is most welcoming.

“In my professional opinion, the TX4 London taxi is the best taxi ever made. No other vehicle is built quite like it. Purpose-built by securing the cab body directly onto the chassis, the taxi is strong and durable. It’s this feature, which gives the vehicle its unrivalled longevity that's so important to me. It also has an envious turning circle that can spin on a sixpence, making it quicker than any van conversion. This makes the vehicle so agile.

“The TX1 had only just come out when I fondly recall my four year old daughter shouting taxi and pointing at a TX1 parked up at Tesco. This proves just how recognisable and distinctive the traditional London Taxi is and is so across the world.”

Peter Rigden, General Manager at M&O London, said: “We’re delighted that fleet operators such as Sheldon are taking advantage of this offer to clean up London’s taxi fleet. We now open up the challenge to see if we can scrap an even older vehicle.

“However, in today’s current climate scrapping an old taxi is not the only way to grab a great deal. With excellent part exchange values and competitive finance rates, there are a number of offers always available which we can tailor to our customers needs if they are considering upgrading to a new or used taxi”.

“With the added advantage of the lower rate of VAT, our £5,000 scrappage offer means now is the time to buy and we would urge drivers to come and talk to us before the Government’s limited budget to support the scheme runs out.”